No one likes to take a cold shower. Even in hot weather a touch of warmth to our water can be blissful.
Because of how much we love hot water in our lives, water heater damage is one of the most-feared issues a homeowner faces. They’re by no means the most expensive repair, but if issues go untreated, they certainly can cost you a lot in home repairs.
What are the signs of a faulty water heater? How can you avoid a potential water disaster in your home? Keep reading and find out the top five signs to get the best water heater repair or replacement from experts.
Table of Contents
1. No Hot Water
One of the most powerful signs you’ll need to repair water heater tanks or elements is also one of the easiest to spot. It’s taking too long to get hot water or there isn’t any at all.
In major cases, you might need to replace it altogether.
Inconssistent water pressure is a sign that it can’t keep the temperature steady during heating cycles. That could be due to a bad element or a cracked liner, reducing insulation.
2. Poor Water Pressure or Leaks
A leak from your water tank that goes unnoticed can cause a big pressure drop on your hot water plumbing. Of course, this depends on the size of the leak.
A leaky fitting might not give too noticeable of an issue, but a burst one certainly can. This can be caused by corrosion on your fittings or a line on your heater or sediment buildup from anode corrosion or hard water.
3. The Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs
Of course, if you smell something odd around your tank, take no chances and call a plumber right away. It could be a gas leak if you have a gas water heater system.
Otherwise, it could be a water leak that contains parts of the anode rods. Many are made of magnesium or aluminum. These anodes then react with sulfates in water, turning them into hydrogen sulfide.
Even at low concentrations hydrogen sulfide is flammable and toxic.
Any time you turn the hot water on to shower or use in a sink, that hydrogen sulfide is coming out of solution and into the air. Before long, you’ll be avoiding turning on any faucets as the anodes corrode more.
4. Black or Rusty-Colored Water
Sometimes all your tank needs is a good flush, but if you have black or rusty water coming out, you might need more than that. Anodes don’t last forever and also cause black and rusty-looking water, but it could be a problem with bacteria as well.
If it has a metallic aftertaste, it’s most likely corrosion.
5. Unusual Noises
Water heaters always make some noise in normal operation — even electric ones. If you hear popping and bubbling noises coming from your water heater, there is surely some trouble on your horizon.
The first signs of an exploding water tank are lukewarm water, followed by noises as we described. It’s not common but does cause irreparable damage to the water heater and possibly things nearby. You can also search for water heater replacement services in your area.
Reasons Behind Water Heater Damage
Water heater damage can come from many different areas. The biggest issues are corroding anodes, age, gas leaks, and water quality. There are ways to extend the life of your water tank all the way from the start.
Need to know more about how you can keep your home in tip-top shape? Keep browsing our articles for the best home advance on the web!
Read Also: The Many Benefits of Having a Quiet Dehumidifier in Your Home